Why do primates have eyes that face forward?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why do primates have eyes that face forward?

The Big Idea

Monkeys leap from branch to branch! They never miss! How do their eyes help?

Two Views

Step one: Two Views. Monkeys and apes have eyes on the front of their faces. Each eye sees a slightly different view of the world.

Judging Distance

Step two: Judging Distance. The brain combines the two views to judge how far away things are. This depth perception is useful for leaping from branch to branch and for picking fruit.

Sharp but Smaller

Step three: Sharp but Smaller. Forward eyes make a smaller field of view, but a very sharp one. Animals with side eyes see more around them, but primates see depth better.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! Two views. Combines. Judged. Made safe.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! The overlapping views of your two eyes give you depth perception. Depth vision helps leaping. Forward eyes are sharp. It helps pick fruit.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Hold a pencil in each hand. Close one eye. Try touching the two pencil tips together. Then try with both eyes open. Which is easier?

Outro

Monkeys and apes have forward-facing eyes. The brain combines the two slightly different views to judge distance, which helps them leap between branches and pick fruit. Their view is narrower but very sharp. Science is amazing! Remember, every big discovery starts with a small question. Keep looking, keep learning, and keep asking why! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!